Tips for Improving Your Relationship with Your Dog

There are many ways that we, as humans, can express our feelings and improve the relationships we have with others. We can hug, touch, and discuss our feelings with one another. There is always room for improvement with books, shows, and podcasts discussing how to improve your relationships. 

It is a little more difficult, though, to improve your relationships with pets. We cannot communicate clearly, and our body language may mean something different to us. Bonding with your dog is essential, though, so here are some tips to improve the relationship you have with your furry friend.

Spend Time Together

Spending time together is great for our human relationships, but that can be applied to our four-legged friends, too. Time spent with your pet will strengthen the bond you share and improve your relationship. Trying out different activities with your pet is also an excellent way to spend time together.

Communicate

Communication is vital for every relationship, including your pet’s. Misunderstandings and unclear communication can be detrimental to relationships, so be vocal about your feelings. Dogs pay closer attention to words than actions, so make sure you share your wants and needs. When you both communicate better, you will respect one another more.

Food

Even mundane tasks like making your dog food can improve the relationship you share with your dog. Giving your pet healthy, yummy food can excite your dog and show them that you supply nourishment. Providing treats in moderation is also likely to keep your dog engaged in your relationship.

Training

Training reduces frustration in animals as they have been taught and understand what you want from them. By training your animals, they will have more freedom from you. Mutual respect will form with less frustration between you, allowing for a more incredible bond.

Learning

Just as you can train your dog to understand your commands and movements, humans can learn more about pets. When you know dog behavior, there is also a reduction in stress and frustration. Identifying emotions like anxiety or anger will likely keep your dog from uncomfortable situations. Your dog will know that you can keep them safe, and trust will blossom between the two of you.

Paying Attention

Learning about your dog, in particular, will keep them engaged in your relationship. When you understand your pet’s likes and dislikes, you can better curate life to what they’d like it to be.

Keep Calm

By remaining cool-headed in all situations, your dog can rely on you better, even when you are angry. You are only driving a wedge between you and your dog by losing your temper. It is better to train your dog not to act in specific ways and prevent the situation from occurring.

Physical Touch

Just as the human love language has a category in touch, dogs have it, too. Physical contact plays a role in increasing the bond between you and your furry friend. By petting and cuddling your dog, you are reducing their stress level and releasing oxytocin, an anti-stress hormone. 

Just as with any other relationship, it is essential to work on the one you share with your dog continually. Even if you feel your relationship is in a good place, there is always room for improvement as many consider these furry friends to be members of the family.